Regulatory Requirements1

Before you start: Plan your business

Every good business starts with a plan. Think about what you want to do, who your customers will be, how much money you’ll need, and how you’ll fund it. If you’re planning to run your business from overseas for a while, think about who will manage it day to day. BTIB can help you explore opportunities and talk through your ideas.
Do you need to register as a foreign investor?
Good news for our diaspora: if you are a Cook Islander by descent, you will not be treated as a foreign investor.
However, any business with foreign ownership, now or planned, must be registered with BTIB under the Development Investment Act before it can start operating. This includes a business you own with a spouse or partner who isn’t a Cook Islander. If this applies to you:
1 Check the reserved activities list. Some types of business are reserved for Cook Islanders only, so make sure your business idea is open to a foreign enterprise.
2 Apply for a Certificate of Registration. Complete BTIB’s application form and provide the required supporting documents. You need this certificate before you register the company and start operating.
Not sure where you stand? Get in touch with us and we’ll help you confirm your status.
Option 1: Starting a new business
[Note: there is the “one stop shop” page on our website and it should say the same thing.]
Step 1: Choose your structure and register your business. Decide whether you’ll operate as a sole trader, a partnership, or a company. A company must be registered with the Registrar of Companies at the Ministry of Justice. Sole traders and partnerships have a simpler process: fill out a registration form with the Revenue Management Division (RMD), MFEM.
Step 2: Register for tax. Register your business with RMD for income tax, and for VAT if your turnover goes above the registration threshold.
Step 3: Get the right licenses and permits. Depending on your type of business, you may need extra approvals. For example:
Food businesses require approval from the Ministry of Health.
Businesses selling alcohol need a liquor license from the Ministry of Transport.
Tourism businesses may need accreditation from Cook Islands Tourism Corporation.
Building and environmental approvals may apply through Infrastructure Cook Islands and National Environment Services.
Step 4: Secure land or premises. Land in the Cook Islands is generally leased, not bought. Land leases need approval through the Land Court, and extra approvals apply where non-Cook Islanders are involved. If you’re using family land, talk with your family early. If you don’t have land on the island where you want to set up, look into leasing commercial premises, or consider operating from home or digitally. We recommend seeking legal advice early, as this step can take time.
Step 5: Arrange your finance. Open a local business bank account and talk with local banks (Bank of the Cook Islands, ANZ and Bank of South Pacific) about commercial loan options if you need funding.
Step 6: Hire staff. As an employer, you’ll need to:
Follow the Employment Relations Act, including paying at least the minimum wage ($10.50 as of 1 July 2026). The Ministry of Internal Affairs has more detail on employer obligations.
Set up PAYE with RMD and superannuation contributions with the Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund (CINSF).
Get a work permit through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration for any staff who are not Cook Islanders or permanent residents.
Option 2: Buying an existing business
Buying a business that’s already running can be a great way to get started, but it’s important to know exactly what you’re buying.
Step 1: Find the right business. Look for businesses for sale through real estate agents, local listings, and word of mouth. BTIB can also share opportunities as they become available.
Step 2: Do your homework (due diligence). Before you commit, ask the seller for:
Financial statements for at least the past three years
Proof that taxes are up to date
Details of any debts, loans, or outstanding bills
Copies of the lease for the premises and any contracts with suppliers or customers
Details of staff and their employment contracts
Any licenses and permits the business holds
Talk to an accountant to check the financials and confirm the business is worth the asking price.
Step 3: Check the lease and licenses. Find out whether the lease can be transferred to you and whether it needs approval. Some licenses can’t be transferred, and you may need to apply for your own (see Option 1, Step 3).
Step 4: Get legal advice and sign the sale and purchase agreement. A lawyer can prepare or review the sale and purchase agreement to make sure your interests are protected.
Step 5: Complete the handover. Once the sale is finalized, update the business registration and register for tax in your name. Arrange a handover period with the seller so you can learn how the business runs. If you’re taking on staff, the employer obligations in Option 1, Step 6 apply to you.
We’re here to help
Coming home to do business is an exciting step, and you don’t have to do it alone. BTIB can guide you through the process and connect you with the right people and agencies along the way.
Email: btib@cookislands.gov.ck
Phone: +682 24296
Visit us: Level 2, Raromart Building, Avarua